James Hoffman never had a job interview outside of the Navy before Monday.
He was an alternate candidate interviewed for the city’s inspector general job.
As one member of the hiring committee commented, the Navy general counsel’s experience was the furthest away from an inspector general position among five candidates interviewed.
Hoffman’s background in audits was lacking and he admitted experience was his biggest weakness.
Yet, he had charisma and communication skills that impressed the Office of Inspector General Selection and Retention Committee enough to make him the top choice for the fledgling office.
After a full day of interviews Monday, the committee voted unanimously to extend an offer to make Hoffman the second inspector general, succeeding Tom Cline, who left after about a year.
“I’m OK going outside the box,” said City Council member John Crescimbeni, vice chair of the committee.
Crescimbeni noted Hoffman was a 180-degree turn from Cline, who had vast experience but was criticized for not communicating enough about the office that identifies fraud, waste and abuse in city government.
Council and the committee in the past few months have made it a point of emphasis that the next inspector general be more active in working with city departments and the independent authorities.
To that end, Hoffman told the committee public outreach was “very important” and being the public face and a leader in the office were the most critical parts of the job.
Committee members State Attorney Angela Corey and Circuit Judge Elizabeth Senterfitt both said Hoffman’s demeanor suited the office.
Another benefit was Hoffman’s ties to the area. His family now has established roots, which gave him a leg up for the committee that was somewhat hesitant to bring in an outsider like it did with Cline.
The committee’s offer to Hoffman is $120,000 a year, which would bump up to $130,000 upon his completing certifications for inspector general in February. He’s required to attend a program that will be in Jacksonville that month.
Cline made $160,000.
Hoffman also will have to work with the Navy about his upcoming retirement. He couldn’t provide a definitive timeline when he could start, but suggested it could be in a few months.
The committee wants him to start the first week of January.
“I’m thrilled,” Hoffman said late Monday.
He said the challenge of the job was appealing and he always has enjoyed work in contract oversight. He said he’s interested in continuing to learn and make an impact serving the public.
Hoffman’s background shouldn’t be seen as an impediment for the office, said Steve Rohan, the interim inspector general and former assistant general counsel for the city.
Sheryl Steckler, the former Palm Beach County inspector general who helps the Jacksonville office in a consultancy role, said five employees in the office have a strong inspector general background. That meant the committee could go for a candidate with the type of leadership attributes they sought.
The committee’s alternative selection is Scott Ando, who has extensive experience in law enforcement and most recently was with Chicago’s independent Police Review Authority.
That organization directed the investigation of officer-involved shootings and alleged misconduct, which average 1,500-2,000 cases a year. His experience totals almost 40 years at the city, county and federal levels.
Ando’s offer would be different — $150,000 starting with the $10,000 increase upon inspector general certification.
The committee interviewed three other candidates Monday: Maxine Person, chief financial officer for the Jacksonville Housing Authority; Neftali Carrasquillo Jr., director of investigations and review for the New York Transit Authority; and Lisa Green, director of investigations for the city’s inspector general office.
@writerchapman
(904) 356-2466